When in-salon keratin treatments exploded onto the scene over a decade ago, they were one of the most innovative new services the beauty industry had seen in quite some time. Finally, a semi-permanent solution for people looking to lock out static and smooth out curls, no hot tools required. Keratin is a fibrous protein naturally found in the hair that’s responsible for keeping it both strong and smooth and acts as a barrier to lock out humidity. Hair that’s low in keratin tends to be porous, and in turn more susceptible to static; keratin treatments work by delivering a hefty dose of the protein to fill in these "holes." There are a variety of different types out there, explains celebrity stylist Fuat Celik, of the Cédric Salon. Apart from smoothing hair, some formulas can chemically alter the structure of the hair, resulting in an even greater straightening effect.
There are some drawbacks, though; many pro-strength treatments do contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. There’s also the time and money factor. Enter at-home DIY keratin treatments, which deliver smoothing results in as little as one application at a much lower price tag. Rather than penetrating deep into the hair, they sit on the surface, acting more like a reparative conditioning treatment. Still, the DIY keratin can have similar effects—making your hair stronger, smoother, and sleeker—they just won’t last as long.
We conducted hours of research on the highest rated keratin treatments to use at home, evaluating each formula on type, ease of application, and results. After consulting with a professional hair stylist, and considering dozens of options, we landed on these picks.
Best Overall
Nexxus Keraphix Gel Treatment
Protein rich
Easy to use where needed
Works on all hair types
Must be paired with shampoo and conditioner for best results
The at-home version of a more intense in-salon treatment (and a favorite among Byrdie editors), this protein-packed treatment not only uses keratin, but also collagen, elastin, and black rice extract - three ingredients that help strengthen hair and promote growth. This power dose of protein for your hair helps repair visible damage almost instantly, all while leaving it silky and shiny, too. Also nice: You can easily apply it just where it’s needed (think beat-up ends or static-y roots), and it works equally well on all hair types.
Who It’s For
This hero product is our pick for anyone who wants to dip a toe into at-home keratin treatments. That said, its protein-rich, strengthening formula makes it a particularly great fit for anyone with damaged or chemically-treated hair.
Type: Gel | Size: 0.67 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Budget
Hask Keratin Deep Conditioner Packette
Creates a glossy sheen
Great for beginners
Also works as a deep conditioner
Single-use packaging isn’t sustainable
This portable, single-use pack rings in at just a few dollars—a major boon for anyone on a budget or who isn’t sure if a keratin treatment is right for them. The keratin protein in the formula quickly restores softness and bounce and leaves hair with a glass-like sheen. It pulls double duty as a deep conditioner, too. We suggest taking it with you on any beach vacay (when your hair inevitably will take a beating from salt and sun) for an instant beauty boost. The only thing we don’t love about it is the excessive packaging.
Who It’s For
An accessible price point makes this product great for anyone on a budget, although it should be noted that this is more of an intensive conditioning mask than a keratin treatment akin to what you’d find at a salon.
Type: Deep Conditioner | Size: 1.75 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Drugstore
TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum
Available at most drugstore chains
Delivers multiple benefits
Can use on dry or damp hair
Does contain silicones
Keratin works synergistically with marula oil (a plant oil rich in hydrating amino acids and antioxidants) in this drugstore find. The serum is non-greasy and fast-absorbing, it also leaves hair gorgeously glossy—basically like you just walked out of a blowout. Another bonus: it reduces static for up to 48 hours. The only downside is that the formula contains silicones, which can build up on your hair, leaving it dry and dull.
Who It’s For
This affordable keratin serum is also one of the most accessible on our list. Look out for it on your next drugstore beauty haul.
Type: Serum | Size: 3.3 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Conditioner
Kérastase Resistance Conditioner
Can be used daily
Works on all hair types
Shine-boosting formula
May weigh down fine hair
Most expensive product on our list
If you want to reap the benefits of keratin on the reg, choose this daily conditioner, which uses a blend of amino acids, keratin, and ceramides (lipids that strengthen and help with moisture retention). Not only does it bolster the hair fibers and help fend off breakage and split ends (yes, please), but it also increases shine and softness. It works great on super straight or super curly hair, but reviewers with fine hair noted it weighed their strands down.
Who It’s For
If your hair could do with a more regular application of strengthening keratin, this conditioner is an effective daily treatment.
Type: Conditioner | Size: 6.8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Curly Hair
It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Plus Keratin
Delivers multiple benefits
Uses two kinds of keratin
Works on all hair types
Contains parabens
Stylist and salon owner Fuat Celik says smoothing products that contain keratin are one of his favorite safe ways to reap the benefits of keratin at home, and this leave-in treatment is one of his top picks. While this formula is effective on all hair types, it’s especially great for curly girls, using a blend of both keratin amino acids and hydrolyzed keratin (keratin that has gone through a chemical process and is broken down in a way that allows it to penetrate the hair cuticle), as well as panthenol, a lightweight conditioning ingredient. It may not leave you with super straight hair, but what it can do is help smooth your spirals, for a more defined, polished look.
Who It’s For
Our curly-haired friends will love this leave-in keratin treatment, which helps detangle and enhance natural body while removing static.
Type: Liquid | Size: 4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Strengthening
Keratin Complex Infusion Keratin Replenisher
Contains a hefty amount of keratin
Can use on dry or damp hair
Reduces blow drying time
Some reviewers say it doesn’t condition overly-processed hair effectively
The Keratin Complex uses hydrolyzed keratin helps to keep your hair smooth and straight, while wheat protein and soy protein provide strength and encourage growth. Additionally, the formula eschews sodium chloride, a common thickening ingredient used in haircare which is known to strip keratin treatments from strands, jeopardizing longevity.
Who It’s For
If you got a keratin treatment at the salon, be sure to order this “replenisher.” Using it daily in between treatments will help prolong the smoothing effects of the keratin.
Type: Cream | Size: 2.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Damaged Hair
Rene Furterer Absolue Keratine Repairing Serum
Can be used daily
Silicone-free
Imparts heat protection
Only comes in a small (1.0 fl. oz.) bottle size
Our expert, Fuat Celik, also likes this product, praising it as an especially good choice for those with damaged hair. It’s meant to be used on ends specifically, helping to strengthen the most fragile parts of the hair and ward off split ends. Credit a combo of ingredients such as plant-based keratin and camelina oil, an Omega 3-rich nourishing ingredient that also helps protect the hair from heat styling by coating the strands. We just wish it came in a slightly bigger bottle
Who It’s For
If you have damaged hair that’s plagued by split ends, this nourishing keratin formula will help strengthen and repair it.
Type: Serum | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Static-Prone Hair
Color Wow Dream Coat Anti-Frizz Treatment
Long-lasting
Works on all hair types
Blocks humidity to prevent static
Must use a blow-dryer with it
Curly and wavy hair types tend to be more prone to static than straight hair types thanks to their coily shape, which makes it harder for natural oils to travel from the scalp down the strands. This product creates a shield-like coating on the hair, helping to ward off static-inducing humidity while locking in moisture and shine (and strength, too). “This acts as a mini keratin treatment and lasts for three to four washes,” says our expert, Celik. Just FYI, the formula is heat-activated, so you will need to bust out the blow dryer.
Who It’s For
If your hair is prone to static or poofs up at the first sign of rain, this humidity-resistant, heat-activated keratin spray will be your new best friend.
Type: Liquid | Size: 6.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Hair Color
Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Intensive Caring Cream
Full coverage, including grays
Hydrolyzed keratin prevents damage from dye chemical
Comes with a conditioning pre-color serum
Permanent color; best for well-versed DIYers
Like heat styling, coloring your hair can also contribute to the breakdown of your natural keratin. That’s why we think it’s so brilliant that this permanent DIY dye, which comes in 30 color options, is infused with hydrolyzed keratin to help combat those effects from the outset. To lock in extra moisture, use the pre-color serum and follow your dye packet with the accompanying conditioning treatment.
Who It’s For
Whether you want to cover greys or try a new shade, this keratin hair dye will care for your locks as you color them. We think this formula would work best in the hands of a seasoned DIY dyer, so newbies beware.
Type: Permanent color | Size: 1 application | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Serum
Vitamins Keratin Protein Hair Serum
Affordable
Can be used daily
Lightweight
Contains fragrance
Stylists recommend a keratin-enriched serum for instant smoothing and protection benefits. A fan favorite on Amazon, reviewers (with all different hair types) rave about the effects of this serum, which combines hydrolyzed keratin along with biotin and collagen for a serious strengthening boost. Castor and coconut oils make it very moisturizing, though it’s still lightweight and won’t leave your hair feeling greasy or heavy.
Who It’s For
If you’re in search of a velvety serum that will tame static while also boosting hair strength, add this product to your cart.
Type: Serum | Size: 4.25 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Where We Stand
The Nexxus Keraphix Gel Treatment for Damaged Hair earns the top spot on our list. This protein-rich reparative treatment can easily be used all over your hair or just on specific areas that need a little strengthening boost, like brittle ends. Our favorite budget keratin treatment is Hask's Keratin Protein Smoothing Deep Conditioner Packette—an instant, affordable smoothing solution that delivers concentrated results.
What to Look for in a Keratin Treatment
- No Formaldehyde: According to Celik, some of the more potent at-home keratin treatments that mimic in-salon versions may contain formaldehyde; it’s one of the reasons he doesn’t recommend them and advises sticking with smoothing or strengthening keratin treatments like Keratin Complex Infusion Keratin Replenisher or Vitamins Keratin Protein Hair Serum.
- Built-In Heat Protection: Since you will probably be blow-drying your hair, keratin treatments that also act as a heat protectant are always a win. We love the Color Wow Dream Coat for Curly Hair, a stylist-recommended top coat you can use before heat styling. We also like the Kérastase Resistance Ciment Anti-Usure Conditioner for help protecting you hair against heat damage
- Strengthening and Moisturizing Attributes: While keratin itself is innately moisturizing and strengthening, those with dry or damaged hair might want to look for a product that’s supported by additional fortifying ingredients. Take, for example, Rene Furterer Absolue Keratine Repairing Serum, which contains hydrating, omega 3-rich camelina oil, or Nexxus Keraphix Gel Treatment for Damaged Hair which is packed with collagen, elastin, and black rice extract to strengthen hair and promote growth.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. While her fine hair is fairly straight, she is always looking for products that can help strengthen it, so she does reach for at-home keratin treatments occasionally or whenever she feels like her hair could use a little extra TLC.
Additional guidance was provided by celebrity stylist Fuat Celik, of the Cédric Salon, New York.
Byrdie contributor Esme Benjamin checked and updated this article in November 2023 to ensure every detail was correct and each product deserves its place on Byrdie’s list of the best keratin treatments.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any keratin treatments from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.